mandolin.org.uk

F holes

F holes

Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 3:50 pm

by atticus

Can anyone point me to a source of designs and templates for f-holes?

I am having a conversation with Bogdan Dobraszczyk who is building a mandolin for me, and I want to discuss ideas. I want to look at more modern styles, with cleaner lines. This would be for an A style instrument, not F style.

Many thanks.

Re: F holes

Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2017 11:03 am

by John Kelly

I am not aware of any collection of templates, but why not just have a look at A mandolins by browsing pictures on the web and then having a go at designing your own, then you will have some real input into your new instrument? If it is a flat-top instrument with cross or ladder bracing you'll have to be aware of how the f-holes can affect the bracing pattern and positioning. It is easy to design a top and then find that the bracing is going across the f-holes - don't ask me why I know this!

Re: F holes

In designing them you should also think about whether you might need to get access through them at some time in the future. I remember a luthier friend of mine cursing me after he'd fitted a pair of K&K pickups into my GBOM; i.e. He couldn't get his fingers in to hold the pickups in place whilst the glue set.

Re: F holes

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 5:22 pm

by atticus

Thank you both.

I've found inspiration, and my son will help me with a design with his CAD skills, so that a template can be cut. I've discussed dimensions etc with Bogdan, and I'm pleased to say that he seems to like the design idea.

It seems I shall have a new mandolin in the New Year - I'm beginning to get excited.

Re: F holes

Posted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 4:51 pm

by atticus

Thanks everyone.

An update: I trawled the internet for images, and then spoke to Bogdan. I got my son to design a template using his CAD software package, and sent this to Bogdan who who is getting the templates laser cut.

The design is a more modern look, based on one I found online. I am hoping that the finished instrument will look quite classy. I will post a photo when I have the new mandolin, in early 2018.

Re: F holes

Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 2:44 pm

by atticus

I was going to post an image of the template, but the board settings do not seem to permit this.

Re: F holes

Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 7:39 pm

by Dave Hanson

Atticus, send a message to site administrator Barry, he might be able to help you.

Dave H

Re: F holes

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2018 5:20 pm

by atticus

I finally worked out how to post an image, so here's the template (reduced size). The mandolin should be ready soon, and I'll post a photo or two.

Re: F holes

Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 1:57 pm

by atticus

It's taking shape!

Re: F holes

Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 2:57 pm

by Dave Hanson

Looks good to me.

Well done.

Dave H

Re: F holes

Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 9:48 pm

by John Kelly

That looks very good. I like the f-holes you have designed.

Re: F holes

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2018 10:27 am

by atticus

i should own up to the fact that the design was based on images found online, but tweaked a little. I can't really claim any originality.

Re: F holes

Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2018 9:23 am

by atticus

My mandolin is coming along. Bogdan has sent me these photos. He has strung it to check the action etc, and will now varnish, sand, varnish etc. Apparently about 2 weeks to go.